Like father, like son – the chairman and CEO of Genting Group Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay is the son of the late billionaire Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, and is better known in the casino and luxury resort circuit than for his foray into the cruise business.

Lim, who is a substantial shareholder in Genting Hong Kong, recognised the enormous global potential of the luxury cruise market in Southeast Asia years ago, playing a big part in expanding the group’s existing fleet of cruises over the years.

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If you’ve spent some time with the crème of Hong Kong society, you would have rubbed shoulders with Edwin and Edith Ho of Starship Yachts.

The ambitious nephew of Macau casino mogul Stanley Ho, Edwin was determined to succeed on his own and eventually built his company into one of Asia’s most successful boat dealers, forming partnerships with renowned shipyards like Ferretti and Baia, and closing the sale of the first Riva 100 yacht in the world in 2016.   

A doctor by profession and a long-time admirer of Langkawi’s pristine waters and natural beauty, Datuk Dr. Ravi Ponniah founded the Naam Group, a premier water sports and leisure company on the island which helped put Langkawi on the map as a yachting destination.

Raed more about this amicable gentleman in a cover story he did with Malaysia Tatler in 2015. 

Must-read: The Dos & Don'ts For Recreational Boating  

While looking to buy their first yacht years ago, Dato’ Sri Rozita Ramelan's and her husband Dato’ Mohd Omar Mustapha met the founder of Azimut Benetti Group (the creator of the Italian luxury superyacht of the same name), which resulted in a longstanding partnership that, years later, would see Rozita and her husband as the exclusive dealers of Azimut Yachts in Malaysia and Brunei.

Her Instagram chronicles the avid traveller's adventures around the globe with her loved ones - with numerous shots of them on a luxury yacht watching the setting sun.

See also: AB Yachts Brings Italian Craftmanship To Malaysian Shores

Sharing a love of the sea and travel with his wife Dato' Sri Rozita Ramelan, private equity investor Datuk Mohd Omar Mustapha knew it was destiny when the opportunity presented itself for them to become the exclusive dealers of Azimut Yachts locally. 

Related: Inside Datuk Mohd Omar Mustapha & Dato' Sri Rozita Ramelan’s Hari Raya Open House 

Azure blue waters and luxurious fishing expeditions - seasoned entrepreneur Ernest Ong had always known that one day his calling would be rooted in both.

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Alongside his various F&B interests, Ong founded Sea Urchin Charters based in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, curating exceptional experiences for tourists on board a 72-foot fishing yacht.